SANTA CLARA — LaMichael James is confident he can become the 49ers' top return specialist, and the second-year speedster credits his coaches in gearing him up for that role.

"It's like tying shoes now," James said of returning punts, a task he struggled at last exhibition season and worked on daily after practice throughout the season. "I'm pretty good at that now."

James fields punts in Tuesday's organized team activities along with Perrish Cox, Chad Hall, Quinton Patton and B.J. Daniels.

James said he gained valuable experience thanks to the mentoring of special teams coaches Brad Seely and Tracy Smith

"Without them, I wouldn't even be back there catching punts like I am today," James said. "They worked me every single day last year, staying after practice helping me out."

The 49ers need a new return specialist to replace Ted Ginn Jr., who signed as a free agent with the Carolina Panthers. Other potential candidates are Ricardo Lockette, Kyle Williams and Kendall Hunter, the latter two of whom are recovering from late-season injuries.

Williams said he's on track to be ready for full participation come training camp in two months. "I want to help any way possible," Williams said. "If it's on punt or kickoffs or whatever they need, I'm in there."

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Williams had four punt returns last season while Ginn accounted for the 49ers' other 32. James emerged as a late-season threat on both offense (27 carries, 125 yards) and kickoff returns (14 for 417 yards).

Oregon's academic calendar prevented James from joining the 49ers for much of last offseason's activities.

"Last year I wasn't even here and didn't get to do any of this stuff," James said. "I've been in the offense for a year, picked it up pretty fast to my knowledge and it's second nature to me. I'm trying to be an all-around athlete."

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick helped tutor James in the 49ers' playbook a year ago, and not much has changed, including Kaepernick's persona despite his breakout season.

"He's an animal," James said. ". He's the same person I've seen in the preseason. Nobody knew who he was. He does the same thing. He works hard, stays after practice, does everything right. He's the most humble guy I've been around. He's still helping me out and we help each other out."